Catalysts for the disproportionation of olefins

ABSTRACT

The instant invention relates to a novel process for preparing catalysts which are useful in the disproportionation of olefins. In more detail the instant process comprises contacting within a solvent, a metallic complex having the formula LaMb(CO)c wherein L is selected from the group consisting   WHEREIN Q is selected from the group consisting of N, P, As and Sb; Z is selected from the group consisting of O and S; X is selected from the group consisting of NR2, OH, OR and R; R is selected from the group consisting of C1 to C20 hydrocarbyl and hydrogen radicals; and R2 is selected from the group consisting of divalent C1 to C20 hydrocarbyl radicals; n is an integer of from 0 to 2; M is a Group VI-B metal selected from the group consisting of Cr, Mo and W; a may vary from 1 to 4; b may vary from 1 to 2; and c may vary from 2 to 10, with an ionic compound, said ionic compound being selected from the group consisting of compounds having the general formula R&#39;&#39;4Q&#39;&#39;X&#39;&#39;, R&#39;&#39;3ZX&#39;&#39;, (R&#39;&#39;4Q&#39;&#39;)(A1R&#39;&#39;dX&#39;&#39;4 d), (R&#39;&#39;3Z)(A1R&#39;&#39;dX&#39;&#39;4 d), mixtures of R&#39;&#39;4Q&#39;&#39;X&#39;&#39; or R&#39;&#39;3ZX&#39;&#39; with A1R&#39;&#39;dX&#39;&#39;3 d or mixtures thereof wherein R&#39;&#39; is selected from the group consisting of C1 to C20 hydrocarbyl radicals and halogenated derivatives thereof, Q&#39;&#39; is selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, phosphorous or arsenic, Z is selected from the group consisting of oxygen or sulfur, X&#39;&#39; is halogen and d may vary from 0 to 3, and said ionic compound being at least partially soluble in said solvent and an activator, said activator comprising an organometallic derivative selected from the group consisting of compounds having the general formulas R&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;3A1X&#39;&#39;(3 e), a mixture of the above compound with a compound having the general formula A1X&#39;&#39;3, a compound of the general formula R&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;fM&#39;&#39;X&#39;&#39;g, a mixture of one of several compounds having a formula R&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;fM&#39;&#39;X&#39;&#39;g with one of the various compounds having the formula R&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;eA1X&#39;&#39;(3 e) and A1X&#39;&#39;3 wherein R&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39; is selected from the group consisting of C1-C20 hydrocarbyl radicals and the alkoxy and halo derivatives thereof, M&#39;&#39; is a metal selected from Groups I through III of the Periodic Table of Elements, X&#39;&#39; is halogen, e is equal to 1 or 2, f is an integer between 1 and 3, and g is 0, 1 or 2, the atomic ratios of the metal in said activator to the metal in said metallic complex being from about 20:1 to 1:1, the molar ratio of Cr, Mo, or W of said metallic complex to ionic compound being from about 10:1 to 0.1:1, and the molar ratio of said Group I-III metal of said activator to ionic compound being from about 40:1 to 1.5:1.

United States Patent Ruhle [451 June 6, 1972 [s 1 CATALYSTS FOR THE DISPROPORTIONATION 0F OLEFINS [72] Inventor: Helmut W. Ruhle, Edison, NJ.

[73} Assignee: Esso Research and Engineering Company [22] Filed: Dec. 19, 1969 211 App]. No.: 886,766

3,535,401 10/1970 Calderon et al.. .....260/683 D 3,558,518 l/1971 Zuech ..252/428 X 3,567,731 3/1971 Kubicek et al. ..252/43l N X Primary ExaminerPatrick P. Garvin Att0rneyChasan and Sinnock and Michael Conner 57 7 ABSTRACT The instant invention relates to a novel process for preparing catalysts which are useful in the disproportionation of olefins. In more detail the instant process comprises contacting within a solvent, a metallic complex having the formula L M (CO) wherein L is selected from the group consisting wherein Q is selected from the group consisting of N, P, As and Sb; Z is selected from the group consisting of O and S; X is selected from the group consisting of NR OH, OR and R; R is selected from the group consisting of C to C hydrocarbyl and hydrogen radicals; and R is selected from the group consisting of divalent C to C hydrocarbyl radicals; n is an integer of from 0 to 2; M is a Group Vl-B metal selected from the group consisting of Cr, Mo and W; a may vary from 1 to 4; b may vary from 1 to 2; and c may vary from 2 to 10, with an ionic compound, said ionic compound being selected from the group consisting of compounds having the general formula 4Q a 'a '4Q X rl 4d), 'a X '11 '4-(1), mixtures of R Q'X' or R' ZX with A1R X or mixtures thereof wherein R is selected from the group consisting of C to C hydrocarbyl radicals and halogenated derivatives thereof, Q is selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, phosphorous or arsenic, Z is selected from the group consisting of oxygen or sulfur, X is halogen and d may vary from 0 to 3, and said ionic compound being at least partially soluble in said solvent and an activator, said activator comprising an organometalllc derivative selected from the group consisting of compounds having the general formulas R" ',AlX a mixture of the above compound with a compound having the general formula AlX' a compound of the general formula R";MX',,, a mixture of one of several compounds having a formula li QM'X, with one of the various compounds having the formula R ,,AlX' and AlX wherein R" is selected from the group consisting of C -C hydrocarbyl radicals and the alkoxy and halo derivatives thereof, M is a metal selected from Groups 1 through 111 of the Periodic Table of Elements, X is halogen, e is equal to l or 2, f is an integer between 1 and 3, and g is 0, 1 or 2, the atomic ratios of the metal in said activator to the metal in said metallic complex being from about 20:1 to 1:1, the molar ratio of Cr, M0, or W of said metallic complex to ionic compound being from about 10:1 to 01:1, and the molar ratio of said Group 1-111 metal of said activator to ionic compound being from about 40:1 to 1.5: 1.

1 1 Claims, No Drawings CATALYSTS FOR THE DISPROPORTIONATION or OLEFINS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a novel process for producing a unique catalyst, said catalyst being especially effective for the disproportionation of olefins.

The disproportionation of olefins refers to those reactions in which one or more olefinic compounds are transformed into other olefins usually having different molecular weights. The reaction can be regarded as consisting of the breaking of the double bonds of the reacting olefins and the recombination of the resulting fragments in such a manner that new olefinic products will result.

In the past a variety of catalysts had been known for this purpose. Typical of such catalysts is a catalyst comprising a VIB metal complex represented by the formula [(L),,M Z wherein each (L) is a CO, R Q, R QO, P Q-QR or R (COO),, ligand, each 2 is a halogen or CN, SCN, OCN, or SnCl radical; M is Mo, W, MoO, M WO, WO preferably M0 or W; Q is phosphorous, arsenic, or antimony; a is 1-6, b is 1-2, generally 1, c is 0-5, and the number of (L) and 2 groups present in the complex is not greater than the number required for the metal to achieve the closed shell electronic configuration of the next higher atomic number inert gas; x is a number, generally 1, representing the polymeric state of the complex; R is an aromatic or saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon radical, includingalkoxy and halo derivatives thereof, lgvi g effective for olefin disproportionation. In the carbonyl complex L is a ligand, M is a Group VI-B metal, a may vary from l to 4, b may vary from I to 2, and c may vary from 2 to 10. The final component is an organometallic derivative which serves as an activator for the catalyst. The metallic element of the organometallic derivative is selected from Groups I through III of the Periodic Table and more preferably is selected from Groups l-A, II-A, II-B or III-A of the Periodic Table,

The contacting between (a) the Group VI-B metal carbonyl, (b) the ionic halide, and (c) the organometallic derivative may take place at temperatures which range from below ambient to elevated, and pressures which would vary from subatmospheric to superatmospheric. In a preferred embodiment, the catalyst is formed at ambient conditions. The contacting must take place in a solvent, preferably an inert solvent; the reacting olefin may serve as a solvent in the event that the catalyst is to be utilized for olefin disproportionation.

In more detail, the instant invention pertains to a novel catalyst, means for preparing said catalyst, and the use of said wa s! n th pwpqe pna iQPBfQlifi To produce the homogeneous catalyst of the instant invention, one must combine three components. The first component is a Group VI-B metal carbonyl complex which has the formula L M (CO) In the above formula L is a monoor polydentate ligand; M is chromium, molybdenum or tungsten, preferably molybdenum; a may vary from 1 to 4; b from 1 to 2; and c from 2 to 10. Typical examples of compounds suitable as ligand L are the following:

up to 20 carbon atoms; m is l or 2; R is an aromatic, saturated '50 R equals alkyl, alkenyl, alicyclic, aryl, aralkyl, alkaryl or aliphatic, or ethylenically unsaturated hydrocarbon radical having up to carbon atoms, R being monovalent when m is 1 l and divalent when m is 2; with an organometallic reducing agent.

Variations on the above catalyst are also known in which Group VII metals are utilized as well as Group VIII metals. Although these catalysts have proven to be somewhat successful in the disproportionation of olefins their acceptance has been hindered somewhat by the great expense associated with their production. In addition, many of these catalysts have not shown great activity particularly at lower temperatures, i.e. 5 temperatures in the range of -25 to 40 C.

Heterogeneous catalysts which have been utilized for olefin disproportionation in the past have had only limited success as indicated by their relatively low activities andselectivities and the requirement that the reactions must be carried out in the vapor state.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it has unexpectedly been found that Group Vl-B metal carbonyl complexes of the general formula I..,,M,(CO),, when contacted within a solution with two other elements, an ionic halide which is at least partially soluble in the reaction mixture and an organometallic derivative, preferably a halide, form a unique catalyst which is especially hydrogen, preferably C, through C alkyl, C through C alkenyl, C through C cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl, C through C aryl and C through C aryl and C through C aralkyl and alkaryl.

R equals divalent alkyl, alkenyl, alicyclic, aryl, aralkyl or alkenyl, preferably C through C alkyl, C to C alkenyl, C

through C cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl, C through C aryl and C through C aralkyl and aralkenyl. Preferred ligands which may be utilized are as follows: CO, NH hydrazine, phenylhydrazine, cyclohexylamine, n-butylamine, dimethylamine, aniline, diethylamine, pyridine, 2,6-dimethylpyridine, triphenylarsine, tributylstibine, triphenylstibine,

dimethylsulfoxide, dimethylcyanamide, N-cyano-piperidine, triphenylphosphine imine, ethylenediamine, tetramethylethylenediamine, 2 ,2 -dipyridyl, 1 l 0- phenanthroline, 2,7-dimethyl-l,S-naphthyridine, diacetyl dihydrazone, dibenzoyl dihydrazone, diacetyl dianil, piperidine, piperazine, acetonitrile, pripionitrile, acrylonitrile, triphenylphosphine, triphenylphosphine oxide, triphenyl phosphite, tricyclohexylphosphine, triphenylarsine, tri(ptolyl)arsine, diacetyl dioxime, diacetyl dioxime dimethyl .ether, diacetyl bis(phenylhydrazone) dimethoxyethane, 3,6-

dithiaoctane, tetramethyldiphosphine, 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane, l,2-bis(diphenylarsino)ethane, O-phenylene bis(dimethylarsine), diethylenetriamine, bis(2-methox- '(triphenylphosphine 3 yethyl)ether, 2,5,8-trithianonane, tris(diphenylphosphinomethyl) ethane, tetrakis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)m ethane,etc.

Specific examples of the metallic carbonyl complex N1-1 Mo(CO),,, cyclohexylamine Mo(C) hydrazine Mo(CO) ethylenediamine Mo(CO),,, acetonitrile Mo(CO) pyridine Mo(CO),,, piperazine Mo,(CO) Mo(CO) tetramethyldiphosphine Mo,(CO), triphenylphosphine Mo(CO),, triphenylphosphine oxide Mo(CO) dimethyl cyanamide Mo(CO) (pyridine),M0(C0),, (acetonitrile),Mo(CO),, (triphenylphosphine), Mo(CO) oxide),Mo(CO) ethylenediamine Mo(CO),, 2,2'-dipyridyl Mo(CO),, diacetyl dihydrazone Mo(CQ),, dibenzoyl dihydrazone Mo(CO) diacetyl dianil Mo(CO) 1,10-phenanthroline Mo(CO) 1,2-di rnethoxyethane Mo(CO) (pyridine);,Mo(CO) (acetonitrile),Mo( CO),, (aniline) Mo(C0),, (triphenylphosphine) Mo(CO) (dimethylsulfoxide),Mo(CO) (ethylenediamine),Mo(CO);,,

{ethylenediamirgg) MQACOR, diethylenetriamine MO(CO) diglyme MB co),, 3,6,9-trithiaundecane Mo(CO) 2,2'- dipyridyl ),Mo(CO),, l l 0phenanthroline ),Mo(CO),, (acetonitrile ),(triphenylphosphine),Mo(CO),, (pyridine): (triphenylphosphine),Mo(CO) The second component in the total catalyst system is an ionic compound, preferably an ionic halide that is at least par tially soluble in the reaction mixture under reaction conditions, and is selected from the group consisting of compounds having the general formula R QX, R' ZX', (R Q') AlR' X' (R32) (AlR X', mixtures of RQQ'X' or R' ZX' with A1R',,x', compounds or mixtures of any of the above compounds wherein R' is a C -C hydrocarbyl radical preferably an aryl or aliphatic radical selected from the group consisting of C, through C, aryl radicals, C through C alkyl radicals, C, through C cycloalkyl radicals, C, through Cm alkenyl radicals, C through C cycloalkenyl radicals and halogenated derivatives thereof. Q is nitrogen, phosphorus or arsenic, Z is oxygen or sulfur; and Q and Z may also be incorporated into a saturated, unsaturated or aromatii ring systemieigi, in pyridinium salts; X is halogen, preferably chlorine; and d may vary from 0 to 3. Specific examples of the second component which are preferred are as follows: tetra-n-butylammonium chloride, tetra-n-propylammonium chloride, tetra-n-butylammonium bromide, tri-n-propylphenylammonium chloride, N- dihexylpiperidinium chloride, N-octylpyridinium chloride, N- dibutylcyclohexylammonium chloride, tetra-n-butylphosphonium chloride, tetraphenylphosphonium chloride, tetraphenylarsonium chloride, tri-n-butyloxonium chloride, tetra-n-butylammonium methyltrichloroaluminate, tetra-nbutylammonium dimethyldichloroaluminate, tetra-npropylammonium diethyldichloroaluminate, tri-n-butyloxonium dimethyldichloroaluminate and mixtures thereof.

The third component is an activating agent and it may be selected from many different activating agents including compounds of the general formula R' AlX' a mixture of the above compound with a compound having the general formula Alx a compound of the general formula R',M'X,, a mixture of one of several compounds having a formula R',lv1X', with one of the various compounds having the formula R',AlX ',,,..,,and/or AIX, wherein R is a C -C hydrocarbyl radical preferably selected from the group consisting of C -C aromatics, C -C alkyl, C -C alkenyl, C -C cycloalkenyl,

between 1 and 3; and g is 0, 1 or 2. Typical examples of piperidine AlX' are methylaluminum dichloride, dimethylalurninum chloride, methylaluminum sesquichloride, ethylaluminum dichloride, ethylaluminum sesquichloride, aluminum trichloride, aluminum tribromide, methylaluminum sesquibromide, phenylaluminum dichloride, 3-ethoxypropylaluminum dichloride and eicosylaluminum sesquichloride.

Examples of the compounds having the general formula MX' g are as follows: methylsodium, phenyllithium, n-butyllitTiiurnT diet hylz inc, diethylma gnesium, ethylmagnesium bromide, triethylaluminum, triisobutylaluminum, triphenylaluminum methyl cadmium chloride, dicyclohexylmercury, triethylindium, triisopropylthallium, dimethylcalcium, phenylmercurychloride, diisopropylboron chloride and phenylboron dichloride.

None of the three individual components of the instant catalyst would individually show catalytic activity for the disproportionation of olefins. A mixture of the second and third component is catalytically inactive, too. A mixture of the first and third components, the metallic carbonyl and the activating agent, may in some cases show catalytic activity which is, however, very low and a considerable amount of isomerization will frequently be observed. It is thus found that component 2, the ionic compound, is an essential part of the catalytic system when high yields of olefinic disproportionation products and low amounts of isomerization products are desired.

In combining the various components of the catalytic system, atomic ratios of Group I, 11 or III metal in the activator to the chromium, molybdenum or tungsten of the Group Vl-B carbonyl compound should be between 20:1 and 1:1, preferably between 10:1 and 4:1. The molar ratio of chromium, molybdenum or tungsten to the ionic compound, should be between 10:1 and 0.121, preferably between 5:1 and 0.5:1. Molar Ratios of Group I-lll metal of the third component to the second component should be between 40:1 and 1.5 :1, preferably between 20:1 and 4: 1.

Any order of addition of components is permissible. The components are usually combined at temperatures which allow the formation of an active catalyst species. The temperature may range between about -35 C. and 100 C., preferably between 0 C. and C. Pressures will vary between 0.1 atm. and 1,000 atrn. preferably 1 atm. and atrn. The three components usually react immediately; in some cases a short induction period of a few seconds to 1 minute is necessary.

The reaction proceeds most effectively within a solvent, the reacting olefin itself may act as a solvent; the solvent should be inert in nature and is preferably organic. Typical solvents which may be utilized are C -C alkanes, C C aromatics, C -C haloalkanes, CgC 5 haloaromatics and haloalkenes which have a halogen substituted on the double bond. Examples of solvents which may be used are pentane, hexane, decane, benzene, xylene, carbontetrachloride, dichloromethane, chlorobenzene, bromobenzene, tetrachloroethylene and trichloroethylene.

Following the formation of the catalyst, suitable olefins may be added directly in order to commence the disproportionation reaction. The catalyst may, in fact, be generated in the presence of the reacting olefins.

The catalyst may also be deposited on an inert solid support such as silica or alumina.

The basic formula for the homo disproportionation of an olef n is as follows:

R (R4)C=C1 (R4) 1n the above reaction R R R and K, may be selected from the group consisting of C, to C alkyl, aryl, alkenyl, alkaryl, aralkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl or hydrogen; at least one of the group consisting of R R R and R is an aryl radical or an RCH, radical wherein R is an alkyl, aryl, alkenyl, alkaryl, aralkyl, cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl radical or a hydrogen atom. Additionally, halogenated derivatives of any of the preceding compounds may also be utilized provided that the halogen is more than two carbon atoms removed from the double bond.

More particularly, R R R and R may be selected from the group consisting of C to C alkyl, C,, to C aryl including those aryls in which two aromatic rings are condensed, C, to C alkenyl but not conjugated dienes C to C alkaryls, C to In this n is an integer varying from 2 to 30. The reverse of this reaction may also be carried out; thus one may employ an acyclic polyolefin as a starting material and can obtain a cyclic mono or polyolefin and an acyclic mono or polyolefin of lesser C aralkyl, C to C cycloalkyl, C to C cycloalkenyl radi- 5 molecular weight than the starting material as products. cals provided that there are no conjugated double bonds The transformation of one mol'o cyclic monor within the cycloalkenyl radical or a hydrogen atom. Again, polyolefins in such a manner that a new cyclic P y of halogenated derivatives, preferably chlorine, of the previously higher molecular weighl is p A general equal-i0" for mentioned radicals may be utilized providing the chlorine or such aleaclion would be halogen utilized is more than two carbons removed from the double bond.

gsRprevioustg menticlmeg; 2:; least ogefltlhe sgidalll llll R an must an ary ra c or an 2 ra ic w erein R isaC to c alkyl, aC toC aryl, 8C2 to c, alkcnyl,C to 2 "31' f C alkaryl, aC, to C aralkyl,aQtoc cycloalkylorac to on CH1 C cycloalkenyl or a hydrogen atom. The most preferred values for R R R and R are C to C alkyls, C to C aryls and Q to C alkenyls and hydrogen provided that at least one of said R,, R R and R is an aryl radical or an R'CH, radical In this case n i m are Integers may vary. from 2 to 30 20 and they may either be the same or different. It is understood and R is a C to C alkyl, C to C, aryl, and C to C alkenyl that in this reaction the products may react further in a similar and hydrogen. Additionally, the catalyst of the instant mvenmanner to form materials of higher molecular weight. tron rs useful for cross disproportionation, by cross drspropor- The transformation of one or more acyclic polyolefins so as tronatron it is meant those reactions in WhlCh a mixture of two to form cyclrc monoor polyolefins and acyclic monoor different olefins is reacted to form at least one olefinrc 01 olefins A eneral e uafion for such a reaction would product. At least one of the products obtained is different of p y 8 q either of the reactants. The general concept of cross disproportionation is illustrated by the following formula:

R1CH=CHR3 1mm) 0:0 (R3) s( 0:0 (R1) 8:

Z CH-(CH )ncrr r( 2) C 1) s+Rr( 2) C B) 5+ 4( a) C C -D s R1 CH=CH (CH2)U CH=CH RQ 2 H +R4(R )C=C(R )R CH We R CH=CH(CH )mCH=CHR4 (CI-I2). Indicative of the homo disproportionation reaction and the products produced is the following Table. i i Bz CH CH R4 TABLE Products Reactnnt A B C 2n, m)c=om n. R1(Rz)C=CR1(Rz) 4)C= a( -4) CllgCllzCllzCll=Clb CH:CH3CHzCH=CHCHzCHzCH3 CHz-CHz CllJCHgCll=ClIClI CH CHzCH=CHCH2CHa CH;CH=CHCH; (-lI;(ClI:)|1CIl=ClI CH3(CH2)r1CH=CH(CH CH CHz=CH2 C5II CHzCHzCH=CHz CEH5CHZCH2CH=CHCH2CH2C6H5 CH2=CH2 CIC1'IzCH2CHzCH2CH CII2 ClCHgCHzCHzCHzCH=CHCHzCHz-CHzCHzCl CHFCHz CH2=CH2 CH2CH=CH2 CH2CH=CHCH:(

(IJH; CH2CHz(CHa) C=C(CH3)CH2CH: CH3CHzCH2CH=CHCHzCHzCH3 CHaCH2C=CHCH2CHzCH3 crr =crrcnzcrr=crrz OH =CHCH1CH-CHCHZCH=CH2 CHFCHE CH2=CH2 Other disproportionation reactions of the instant invention In this case n and m are integers and may vary from 1 to 20 and rnay be either the same or different from each other.

In the above equations R through R, are selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, alkenyl, alkaryl, aralkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, halogen derivatives of the aforesaid and hydrogen. It is preferred that R through R, be selected from the group consisting of C through C alkyl, C to C aryl, C to C alkenyl, C to C alkaryl, C to C aralkyl, C to C cycloalkyl and C to C cycloalkenyl, halogen derivatives thereof, preferably chlorine.

' Typical reactants and products which illustrate the preceding reactions are as follows:

Products CHz=CHCIIzCHzCIIzCHzClI CIl=Cll -CH:CH=CHCH; 0112 0110113 Clls CHz=CHCHzCHzCHzCH2CH=CHz I I CH2=CH1 I OHg=CHCH3 Reaction conditions in the above reactions are substantially identical to the reaction conditions utilized to form the Group VIB organometallic catalyst of the instant invention. That is to say, the reactants are contacted at temperatures of to +1 C., preferably 0 to 80 C. at pressures which may range from 0.1 and 1,000 atrn. and preferably 1 and 100 atrn. Contact times will vary between 0.1 min. and several days, preferably between 0.2 and 24 hours. The reactants should be contacted in the liquid phase within an inert solvent,

preferably an organic inert solvent, or the reacting olefin itself 6 5 may be employed as solvent. Typical solvents which may be utilized are the C to C alkanes, C, to C aryls, halogenated C to C alkanes, C, to C haloaryls and certain haloalkenes. Specific examples of solvents include pentane, hexane, decane, benzene, xylene, carbon tetrachloride, methylene chloride, tetrachloroethylene, trichloroethylene, chlorobenzene. A wide range of ratios of reactants to catalysts may be employed. Ratios of reactant to catalyst from 10:1 to l00,000:1 on a molar basis may be used with preferred ratios offrom 100:1 to 10,0002].

SPECIFIC EMBODIMENZY Example 1 Disproportionation of Pentene-l with a catalyst comprising M(CO) /(n-C l-l,) NCl/Cl-l Al Cl wherein M= CLMQ In this example, 0.5 millimole each of chromium hexacarbony], molybdenum hexacarbonyl and tungsten hexacarbonyl were compared as the metal carbonyl complex of the catalyst. In each case the various metal hexacarbonyl and 0.25 millimole of tetra-n-butylammonium chloride were dissolved in 10 milliliters of chlorobenzene in a nitrogen-filled reaction flask. The reaction vessel consisted of a mlround-bottom flask equipped with nitrogen inlet and a mercury check valve. The reaction mixture was stirred with a magnetic stirrer. Ten ml of pentene-l followed 2 ml of a one-rnolar chlorobenzene solution of methylalurninum sesquichloride were introduced into the vessel. After 2 hours at ambient temperature and pressure, the reaction mixture was hydrolyzed by the addition of five ml. of methanol and distilled under a vacuum of about 2 mm Hg. into a receiver cooled with liquid nitrogen. Gas

chromatographic analysis of Ee distillate gave the product distribution shown in Table I.

In identical reactions without the tetra-n-butylammonium chloride present, none of the metal carbonyls showed any disproportionation activity. The above table, Table I, indicates that the tetra-n-butylammonium chloride is useful as a promoter for the disproportionation reaction. It was also observed that the Mo(CO) is far superior as an agent for disproportionation, achieving a disproportionation percentage of 71.5.

Example 2 Disproportionation of Pentene-l with MO(CO) /(CH AI CI and Various Ionic Halides as Component B The identical procedure to Example 1 was utilized in this example, except that the ionic halide, used as Component B, was varied. The several components which were utilized as Component B are included in Table 11 below. The results of the reactions after one hour at ambient temperature are shown below.

TABLE II Pentene, Octene, Disprop. Component B Wt. Wt.

(n-C I-l,) NCl 59.7 40.3 45.9 (n-C.H,).PC1 97.8 2.2 2.7 (C,H,).AsCl-xl-l,0 91.8 8.2 10.1

Reaction time was 2 hours No isomerization of pentene-l to pentene-2 is observed.

From Table 11 it is seen that (n-C H LNCI was more effective with a l-hour reaction period than the other reactants. It should be noted, however, that (C l-I AsC1-xH O was effective after 1 hour. From Examples 1 and 2 it can be seen that tetraalkylammonium chlorides are the ionic compounds most effective as a component in the catalyst.

EXAMPLE 3 In this example the disproportionation of pentene-l with the catalyst system LMo(CO) .,/(n-C,,l-L,,).,NCl/(CI-l Al C1 was effected. L was varied in a manner indicated below. The reactions were conducted for a period of one hour under conditions identical to those designated in Example 1. The results (n-C li, ),NC1 was used as Component B.

Table 111 indicates that C H NMo(C produced the most effective results, i.e., a disproportionation percentage of 67.4.

Example 4 Disproportionation of Pentene-l with (C H N) Mo(CO) /(n-C l-l,,) NCl/(Cl'l Al Cl.

0.5 millimole of (C H N) Mo(CO) 0.25 millimole of (n- C,,l-l,,).,NCl, 2 millimoles of methylaluminum dichloride and 10 ml. pentene-l in 12 ml. of chlorobenzene were reacted as in Example I for 1 hour at ambient temperature. The distillate obtained after hydrolysis of the reaction mixture showed 69.6 percent disproportionation and the presence of 35.4 wt. percent pentene and 64.6 wt. percent octene, as determined by gas chromatography.

Example 5 In this example, a reaction identical to Example 4 was performed, except that methylaluminum sesquichloride, in the amount of 4 millimoles, was used instead of methylaluminum dichloride. At the end of l 99 hours, a yield was obtained comprising 19.2 wt. percent pentene-l and 80.8 wt. percent octene, indicating an 84.1 percent disproportionation. In the identical experiment without tetra-n-butylammonium chloride, after 2 hours only 7.6 percent disproportionation was observed.

Example 6 Disproportionation of Pentene-l with Molybdenum-tetracarbonyl and -Tricarbonyl Complexes In this example, 0.5 mM of various molybdenum tetracarbonyl or -tricarbonyl complexes were reacted as in Example 1 with 0.25 millimole (n-C I-l NCl, 2 ml of a one-molar chlorobenzene solution of methylaluminum sesquichloride and 10 ml of pentene-l in 10 ml of chlorobenzene. The reac- *0.5 millimole of (n-C l-l NCl used. 0.25 millimole of complex and 0.5 millimole (n-C H NCI used.

From the above it is seen that the most desirable carbonyl complexes were (C H N) Mo(CO) (ethylenediaminehMo ,(CO)., and diacetyl dihydrazone Mo(CO) which give the highest percentages of disproportionation, namely 71.5, 73.1 and 84.0, respectively.

Example 7 Disproportionation of 3-methyl butene-l with In a manner identical to Example 1, except as indicated, 0.5 millimole of (pyridine) Mo(CO) 0.25 millimole of tetra-nbutylammonium chloride, 4 millimoles methylaluminum sesquichloride and 11 ml of 3-methylbutene-1 in 12 ml of chlorobenzene were reacted for two hours at ambient temperature. The product was then hydrolyzed and recovered by distillation. Gas chromatographic analysis indicated a product composition of 93.7 wt. percent of 3-methylbutene-l and 6.3 wt. percent of 2,5-dimethylhexene-3 for a 9.2 percent disproportionation.

Example 8 Disproportionation of 4-phenylbutene-l In a manner identical to Example 7, 26.4 grams of 4-phenylbutene-l was reacted with 0.5 mM (pyridine) Mo(CO) 0.25 mM of tetra-n-butylarnmonium chloride and 4 mM of methylaluminum sesquichloride in 12 ml chlorobenzene for 1 7% hours. Hydrolysis and separation of the reaction products by distillation resulted in the recovery of 8.0 grams of 4-phenylbutene-l and 12.6 grams of 1,6-diphen'ylhexene-3, or -54 percent disproportionation. Example 9 Disproportionation of hexene-2 Utilizing the same catalyst and conditions as in Example 7 except as otherwise indicated, ml of hexene-2 were contacted with the catalyst for one hour at 80 C. The resulting product was determined by gas chromatography, after hydrolysis, to comprise 52.7 wt. percent hexene-2 and 47.3 wt. percent octene-4. Butene-2 is removed from the solution and may be collected by condensation in a trap cooled with dry ice.

Example 10 Disproportionation of Octadiene-l,7 with (C,H,N)Mo(CO) /(n-C H,) NCl/CH Al Cl In this example, 0.5 millimole of (pyridine) Mo(CO) 0.25 millimole of (n-C,,H-,),NC1, 4 millimoles of methylaluminum sesquichloride and 10 ml octadiene-l,7 in 10 ml chlorobenzene were reacted in a manner identical to Example l, except as indicated, for 1 hour at ambient temperature. The liquid reaction product as determined by G.C. of the distillate consists exclusively of cyclohexene, indicating a 100 percent conversion. Example 11 ethylene In this example, 1.0 millimole of (pyridine) Mo(CO) 0.5 millimole of (n-CJ-l,,),NCl and 8 millimoles methylaluminum sesquichloride were added to 38 ml of cis-decene-S in 55 ml of chlorobenzene. The mixture was reacted under 800 psi of ethylene pressure in a 300 ml stainless steel autoclave for three hours. The resulting reaction product, which was recovered as in Example 1 by hydrolysis of the reaction mixture and distillation, was determined by gas chromatography to be 94.0 wt. percent decene-S and 6.0 wt. percent hexene-l, indicating 5.1 percent disproportionation.

Example 12 Disproportionation of Pentene-l Mo(CO),/(n-C H,),NCl/(CH Al,Cl on A1 0,,

5.0 .grams of chromatographic grade, activated alumina, having an 80 to 200 mesh, were impregnated with a solution of 2.0 millimoles of Mo(CO), and 1.0 millimole of (n-C H NCl in 100 ml of chlorobenzene. The solvent, chlorobenzene, was removed at ambient temperature by means of reduced pressure which was about 2 mm Hg. Then ml of pentene-l, 20 ml of chlorobenzene and 8 millimoles of methylaluminum sesquichloride were added using the same procedure as in Example l. After two hours of reacting at ambient temperature, the reaction product recovered as in Example 1, consisted of 60.2 wt. percent pentene and 29.8 wt. percent of octene as determined by G.C. for 45.2 percent disproportionation. Example 13 Disproportionation of Cyclopentene In the same manner as in Example 1, except as otherwise indicated, 0.5 mM (pyridine Mo(CO) 0.5 mM (n-C,H,),NC1, 50 7 ml of Cyclopentene and 4 mM methylaluminum sesquichloride in 50 ml of chlorobenzene are reacted at ambient temperature for 5 hours. The resulting viscous solution is poured into two liters of methanol; about 6 grams of a rubberlike polymer are obtained.

1 claim:

1. A process for preparing a catalyst which comprises contacting within a solvent, a metallic complex having the formula L,,M,,(CO) wherein L is selected from the Disproportionation of Cis-decene-S and with wherein Q is selected from the group consisting of N, P, As and Sb; Z is selected from the group consisting of O and S; X is selected from the group consisting of NR OH, OR and R; R is selected from the group consisting of C, to C hydrocarbyl and hydrogen radicals; and R is selected from the group consisting of divalent C, to C, hydrocarbyl radicals; n is an integer of from 0 to 2; M is a Group VI-B metal selected from the group consisting of Cr, Mo and W; a may vary from 1 to 4; b may vary from 1 to 2; and 6' may vary from 2 to 10, with an ionic compound, said ionic compound being selected from the group consisting of compounds having the general formula l a '4Q')( 'd 4-). 'a X d 't-d).

mixtures of R Q'X' or R' ZX' with AlR X and mixtures thereof wherein R is selected from the group consisting of C, to C hydrocarbyl radicals and halogenated derivatives thereof, Q is selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, phosphorous and arsenic, Z is selected from the group consisting of oxygen and sulfur, X is halogen and d may vary from 0 to 3, and said ionic compound being at least partially soluble in said solvent and an activator, said activator comprising an organometallic derivative selected from the grop consisting of compounds having the general formula R",Al a mixture of the above compound with a compound having the general formula AM, a compound of the general formula R",M a mixture of one of several compounds having a formula R",M'X', with one of the various compounds having the formula R, .AlX', and AlX' wherein R" is selected from the group consisting of C C- hydrocarbyl radicals and the alkoxy and halo derivatives thereof, M is a metal selected from Groups I through III of the Periodic Table of Elements, X is halogen, e is equal to l or 2, f is an integer between 1 and 3, and g is 0, 1 or 2, the atomic ratios of the metal in said activator to the metal in said metallic complex being from about 20:1 to 1:1, the molar ratio of Cr, M0 or W of said metallic complex to ionic compound being from about 10:1 to 0.1:1, and the molar ratio of said Group l-lll metal of said activator to ionic compound being from about 4021 to l .5: l.

2. The process of claim 1 wherein said organometallic derivative is an organometallic halide.

3. The process of claim 2 wherein R" is a C, to C alkyl radical.

4. The process of claim 3 wherein the ionic compound has the formula R NX and R is a C, to C alkyl.

5. The process of claim 4 wherein the organometallic derivative is selected from the group consisting of compounds having the formula R AlCl wherein R" is a C, to C alkyl and e is 1 or 2.

6. The process of claim 5 wherein said metal complex is )6.

7. The process of claim 6 wherein said ionic compound is (n-C,,H,,),NC1.

8. The process of claim 6 wherein said organometallic derivative is methyl aluminum-sesquichloride.

9. The process of claim 6 wherein said solventis a C, to C alkane. I

10. The process of claim 6 wherein said contacting takes place at a temperature of O- C., a pressure of 1-100 atmospheres.

11. The product of claim 1. 

2. The process of claim 1 wherein said organometallic derivative is an organometallic halide.
 3. The process of claim 2 wherein R'''' is a C1 to C20 alkyl radical.
 4. The process of claim 3 wherein the ionic compound has the formula R4NX and R is a C1 to C20 alkyl.
 5. The process of claim 4 wherein the organometallic derivative is selected from the group consisting of compounds having the formula R''''eAlCl3 e wherein R'''' is a C1 to C20 alkyl and e is 1 or
 2. 6. The process of claim 5 wherein said metal complex is Mo(CO)6.
 7. The process of claim 6 wherein said ionic compound is (n-C4H9)4NCl.
 8. The process of claim 6 wherein said organometallic derivative is methyl aluminum-sesquichloride.
 9. The process of claim 6 wherein said solvent is a C1 to C10 alkane.
 10. The process of claim 6 wherein said contacting takes place at a temperature of 0-80* C., a pressure of 1-100 atmospheres.
 11. The product of claim
 1. 